Frequently asked Questions

  • What is EB-5 and what is a Regional Center?
  • How is EB-5 different from L-1 or E-2?
  • What if my I-526 petition is denied?
  • What are the requirements of EB-5?
  • Do I need to live in the city where I make my investment?
  • How long will it take to obtain a conditional permanent visa?
  • How long until I get my money back?  Is it guaranteed?
  • Who in my family is able to obtain residency?
  • Can I travel back and forth from my native country?

The EB-5 Immigrant investor Program is a program to allow foreign immigrant investors to obtain permanent resident status in the United States for himself/herself, and each of their dependents, in return for a qualified investment in a U.S. enterprise.  An EB-5 Regional Center is an entity that has been approved by USCIS to sponsor investment projects and broaden the types of jobs that can contribute to the minimum required amount.

EB5 allows permanent resident status with no reapplication and can ultimately allow the immigrant investor to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.  In the other programs, once the investment ends, the immigration status ends as well.

If an investor's I-526 petition is denied, EB5 of Ohio will immediately start re-marketing the project in an attempt to find a replacement investor. Using the exemplar approval status as a marketing tool, EB5 of Ohio is confident that it would be able to find a replacement. If unable, the investor's capital will still earn interest, and the investor would still maintain limited partnership, however with no impact on immigration status.

Each applicant must invest $500,000 of lawful funds in a commercial enterprise located in a targeted employment area within the United States.  The investment funds must be sustained at-risk in the commercial enterprise for at least two years after conditional residency is granted and create 10 U.S. jobs during that period.

No.  Though EB5 of Ohio would love to have you come enjoy all the Midwest has to offer, you are free to take up residency anywhere in America’s 50 beautiful states.

Approximately 10-14 months for initial approval.  The Immigrant investor must file with USCIS a Form I-526, which includes a business plan showing that the project undertaken by the commercial enterprise is likely to create the required amount of jobs.  Following I-526 approval, an investor must receive an adjustment of status through by the Department of State if already in the United States or processing at their local consulate if abroad.

Exemplar project applications associated with approved Regional Centers (e.g., the EB5 of Ohio Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel project) will be reviewed primarily to determine that the investor funds were obtained from a lawful source and will be sustained at-risk for the required period.  Proper documentation of the source of investor funds is the most critical factor in I-526 review.

No.  EB5 of Ohio works with its sponsored project operators to return EB-5 investor capital about 5 years after the investment is made.  No EB-5 investor, however, is allowed to receive its money back before it receives its lawful permanent residency.  The investment must stay at-risk until that point.

You, your children under 21 and spouses.  Spouses may join the investor during the conditional residence period as long as they were married at the time of admission to the U.S, or following adjustment of status as a permanent residence.  Children can join as long as parentage or step-parentage can be established at the time of admission, or adjustment of status to permanent residence.

Yes, with exception.  After receipt of the conditional visa, the investor and its family can obtain travel permits that allow for travel to and from the United States as long as the investor can show intent to permanently reside in the United States.  Once residency becomes permanent, there is no renewal necessary.  Any extended period outside of the United States on a single visit, however, may affect eligibility for the investor to become a naturalized citizen after the permanent visa is issued.